Bottesford Parish 1st World War Centenary Project

The Bottesford Heritage Group is organising events to commemorate the Centenary of the First World War, 1914-1918. The past century has fragmented the memory of the 1st World War Parish of Bottesford. Our centenary project focuses on over two hundred and twenty recruits, their wartime biographies, memorabilia, and memories of them still within the community. We will also examine how the parish mobilised in response to the demands of wartime life and the consequences for local employment and education, entertainment and fund raising, health and illness, food and welfare, and commemorative remembrance. Volunteers from village societies, church and chapel congregations, schools and youth organisations will conduct heritage research and 1st World War centenary activities. This will involve re-enactments events, exhibitions, publications, production of website material, and an on-line archive of previously dispersed local heritage. Working together we will retrieve, explain and secure for the future the hidden local heritage of the First World War: the silent memories of the people who served and those at home who loved, cared and coped. We welcome volunteers to join in the planning and organisation of 1st World War Centenary activities. We meet on the 3rd Thursday of each month in the Bottesford Chapel Meeting Room on Devon Lane, Bottesford. Please look out for further details on the website and on the Heritage Notice Board outside the Co-op on Queen Street, Bottesford. Email: bottesfordww1centenary@gmail.com Our activities are supported by a Heritage Lottery Fund award.